7 Things I Learned About Success From Swimming
As I was gliding up and down the pool on a beautiful morning it occured to me that swimming has taught me so much about life.
If you want to produce the biggest possible change of momentum, you need to apply your force (pulling back on the water) for as long as possible—with as long a stroke as possible and a good, complete follow-through.
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So Reach…
The farther the reach the farther you can propel yourself forward. We move (or grow) by consistently stretching to achieve what makes us uncomfortable or what we think is impossible.
…And Follow Through…
When we reach that point of maximum efficiency; utilizing each day to it fullest to achieve our greatest desires, you feel like you are flying. Every movement is purpose driven and lends a sense of accomplishment.
Don’t Waste Energy on Things that Don’t Bring Value…
Advanced swimmers are taught to expend as little energy as possible in movements that do not propel them forward (toward their goal).
When you expend energy (resources) on things that do not move you closer to your goal you have less energy, time, money to devote to what you really want.
What do you want?
Family Time?
A Creative Outlet?
A Healthy Mind and Body?
To Explore the World?
What are you wasting your resources on?
A Toxic Person?
Comparing yourself to others?
TV?
An unfulfilling job?
Set Small goals and celebrate when you reach them
Maybe you feel like your goal is too far off or unobtainable. Maybe you are frustrated by slow progress. Start that internal dialogue and determine your rewards.
…3 more strokes until I turn…nice job
…finish strong…killin’ it
…increase your income by $400 a month…
…cut the grocery bill by $10 a week…get your gym membership
…no cost family outing once a week…take the vacation
The Early Bird Gets The…
Anyone who was a lifeguard knows your diehard lap swimmers will be lined up to claim their coveted lane. If you come late (or even on time) you end up sharing with someone else, get stuck in a circle swim, or repeatedly try to breeze around a water walker.
Be ready to take action
Skip the snooze and get out of bed on the first alarm
When you wait opportunities pass you by. The time to start and take action is now.
Use Landmarks to guide your course…
What is the fastest way from one end of the pool to the other? A straight line (duh). If you fail to use markers when swimming you might veer off course. The sooner you can identify that you are off course the sooner you can correct it.
Keep that mindset when working toward your life goals. Know what you want, set a course to get there, and consistently check your progress along the way.
Incremental Progress is Still Progress…
In swimming you don’t learn how to swim the fly right away. You start by getting in the water, learning to put your face in, swimming across the pool, swimming under water…etc.
And then before you know it…you’re flying.
Don’t discount the small steps that take you to the big achievements.
Get a Buddy…
You are more likely to get to the pool, swim harder, and longer when you have someone else to support you.
In life it is important to find people who support and understand your goals, who compliment strengths with your weaknesses. They say you are the sum of the 5 people closest to you. Choose wisely.
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